Archive for September, 2016

Last week we went on a coach trip to Wells. I help out at an old people’s club and it was their annual outing. As Neil and I had neither of us been to Wells we both went along. We were really lucky with the weather, had a glorious sunny day.

The first stop was the cathedral. Built in the 12th century it is most imposing.

This is the West Front and contains one of the largest galleries of medieval sculpture in the world. Starting in the lower niches with biblical scenes it rises through kings, bishops and orders of angels to the 12 apostles with Christ over all.

In the nave the eye is drawn to the unique “Scissor arches” which were a medieval solution (1338-48) to sinking tower foundations.

The ceilings were also really beautiful.

The cathedral contains a massive organ.

The western end of the cathedral contains the Quire which forms the oldest part of the present cathedral.

Wells Cathedral has one of the most substantial collections of medieval stained glass in England, the crowning glory being known as the Jesse window.

I particularly liked this frieze in one of the chapels.

We left the cathedral and moved onto the Bishop’s Palace, home to the Bishops of Bath & wells for over 800 years. It is a stunning medieval Palace situated in 14 acres of landscaped gardens and home to the wells and spring pools that give the City of Wells its name. Outside is a moat with medieval drawbridge and home to the resident mute swans of Wells.

Outside croquet was being played, the participants all in traditional white.

Inside was a marvellous stair case with wyverns and the most illustrious wall paper.

The Long Gallery contained portraits of Bishops throughout the ages.

There were some contemporary touches with this modern angel sculpture in one room.

And in the gardens these angel wings which I couldn’t help but stand in front of.